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Sunday, August 21, 2011

Dear John

Dear John Wanamaker,

Who are you? I have tried everything to get to know “you”, the real you.

I found a gorgeous desk at a Thrift Store for $50.00. Sure it was more than I would normally pay but my “Super Saver Card” was filled so I received an extra $5.00 off. I think $45.00 was a great price for this desk.

I took the desk home and started to clean it. As I was wiping it down, I found this. A brass plate stamped John Wanamaker Fine Furniture New York.

I had no idea you made John Wanamaker Fine Furniture! How could I not know this? The only thought that came to mind was that I was born and raised in the South and would have no exposure to you, John Wanamaker. How can I fault you for that?

My heart sank. My ideas for transforming this desk may end up being the ultimate betrayal. I always try to do the right thing but painting it a creamy white may cross the line. Would I destroy an antique?

So I Googled you, isn’t that what everyone does? I Googled John Wanamaker, John Wanamaker Fine Furniture, Desk, Vanity, Antique, Vintage and even went so far as looking all the way through page 10 on my iPhone. Sure, I saw a desk here and there, not my desk, but a billion pictures of you sitting behind your desk. Apparently, this is a pretty famous picture of you.

I have to say that I learned a lot about you. You pioneered the first Department Store in Pennsylvania and manufactured your own house brands. Umm Hello, I love to Shop!

In 1878 you opened an in store restaurant, John Wanamakers Crystal Tea Room. Fabulous advertisement by the way!

You printed the first-ever, copyrighted store advertisement in 1874. If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t have the Sunday paper sale ads to look forward to every weekend!

One thing I have learned in life is that sometimes you have to take risks. Since I could not find anything about this desk, I decided to continue on with the revamp anyway. Take a chance, right?

I really wanted an office space that was bright, cheerful with unexpected touches to use strictly for my creative work.

I repainted the desk a creamy white and used Vintage yellow curtains and cut them to size for the drawers. I sprayed the fabric with spray adhesive and covered the drawer fronts. Then I used a black Sharpie to highlight the moldings around the drawers.

The chairs were painted black and then upholstered in a matte satin with velvet damask print "Prom Dress" material which was on sale for $2.99 a yard at Joanne fabrics.

Some accessories and the space was complete!

John, I think you would be proud to know that 135 years later your furniture is timeless and still fabulous! Thank you for being you, a pioneer.

What an amazing redo. I could see myself making this a vanity desk. I would really love having a piece like this in my home! I know my husband would love the price!I really enjoy stopping by blogs such as yours to see what great thrift shop and garage sale finds you've discovered.You're an inspiration!I'm so looking forward to hitting my local thrift store this weekend!

Yes, I think John would be most happy to see his desk transformed into such a beautiful piece!! It makes me want to work on my desk space. It is in horrible mess right now *sigh* So many projects, so little time.

That is one fabulous desk!! You gotta do what is right for you and fits your style and that is one super chic office so I think it was a good call on your part to just go for it. :-) Thanks so much for sharing it at Inspiration Friday this week!Vanessa

oh my goodness! I love this! You did a great job on the redo! I found your blog through a link party and LOVE it! It is so cute! I am your newest follower and would love it if you would follow me too! Thanks!-Nikkihttp://chef-n-training.blogspot.com/

I love all the colors in the space. You did a beautiful job on the desk. I bought a desk off of Craigslist and have been faced with the same dilemma. I figured out if this piece had any value it is only in Tell City, Indiana so I will be painting it soon! Love, love, love the black chair too!

I would love it if you would share this and/or any other projects you have been up to at Tuesday Talent Show at Chef In Training Tomorrow! Plus there is going to be a fun giveaway too! Thanks so much and I hope to see you there!-Nikkihttp://chef-n-training.blogspot.com/

I love that you really researched before deciding to do the redo! You learned some fun stuff it looks like! And it turned out lovely! Really fits in well with the rest of the area! Thanks for sharing on Fancy This Fridays!!!

You are seriously so cute!! Your desk turned out amazing- I loved the blog post in the letter form! and the desk itself is timeless!! Such a great find! Your last pic was awesome. We are going to be featuring this on link party tomorrow- come by and grab a button! And thanks so much for linking up to Strut Your Stuff last weekend! We would LOVE to have you come back and link up more of your great projects tomorrow!Camille @SixSistersStuff.blogspot.com

This is so beautiful! I love it! Thanks so much for linking up to Tuesday Talent Show! I would love to have you stop by and link up again tomorrow with more great projects!-Nikkihttp://chef-n-training.blogspot.com/

Dear John Wanamaker, Who are you? I have tried everything to get to know “you”, the real you. I found a gorgeous desk at a Thrift Store f...

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All photos on this blog marked with a "Tres Chere" watermark are the property of Tres Chere. You are welcome to use them as long as you credit Tres Chere AND include a link back to www.trescherechattel.blogspot.com. We love to share our ideas and hope that will try them yourself. If you do try one of our original projects and Blog, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Stumble Upon, etc. we ask that you please credit and link back to Tres Chere. If you have any questions please contact us at trescherevintagemarket@gmail.com.